Holocaust and lessons of history brought closer to students through education

More than 30 teachers from the Republic of Moldova are taking part, from November 2 to 6 in Chișinău, in a professional training seminar dedicated to Holocaust and human rights education. The training aims to provide educators with methods for teaching the history of the Holocaust in the classroom and helping prevent discrimination and intolerance.

The seminar, Lessons from the Past as an Impetus for Action – Holocaust and Human Rights Education, is intended for teacher trainers and authors of methodological guides for implementing the new curricula in History and Education for Society.

During the training, participants are examining ways in which knowledge of the past can develop students’ critical thinking, help them understand the consequences of discrimination, and promote respect for human dignity.

At the opening of the seminar, Veaceslav Reabcinschii, Director General of the Agency for Interethnic Relations, highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and passing it on to future generations. According to him, education in this field contributes to the development of a culture of respect for human dignity and encourages young people to stand against discrimination and intolerance.

Over the five days, teachers are taking part in theoretical sessions, practical workshops, and reflection exercises. The topics covered include the history of the Holocaust and combating its distortion, antisemitism, the genocide of the Roma, stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination, as well as integrating human rights education into teaching activities.

The knowledge and methods acquired will be incorporated into methodological guides, teacher training programs, and classroom activities. In this way, students will have the opportunity to learn how to critically analyze information and build relationships based on respect, including among people from different ethnic communities.

The seminar is organized by Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI), in partnership with Agudat Israel MD, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Agency for Interethnic Relations. The activity is supported by the Claims Conference, the German Federal Ministry of Finance, and Mihai Eminescu Romanian Cultural Institute in Chișinău.